Dennis' Dinner Review and Update

Last night Jenny and I took a Tuk Tuk down to the River Side for dinner. I learned that Jenny is good at negotiating Tuk Tuk prices and even does it in Khmer. While I didn't understand a word that she said I could tell by her intonation that she was demonstrating disbelief at the rate being promoted by the driver and her deft advocacy quickly led to the driver coming down 50%. (William Shatner better watch out. I think Jenny is a better price negotiator.) We went to a restaurant called "Java" and it was really a nice place. The evening was beautiful with clear air and a slight breeze. So, we sat outside on the upstairs balcony. Most restaurants in Phnom Penh have upstairs seating and generally that area seems to be preferred. Java was packed with a crowd attending an art showing. I had their pumpkin-carrot soup which was incredible. Afterwards we went to a place called "Blue Pumpkin" and had ice cream. Now, this is an ice cream shop unlike any other. Again, at Blue Pumpkin there is a nicer upstairs and when we went up there it was amazing! It featured a wall-to-wall, high and deep couch, arched ceilings, and an outdoor balcony. The ice cream selection was fabulous and the two flavors I got (Caramel Cashew and Chocolate Chip Mint) were both amazing. I cannot wait to go back there again, and again, and again.

Today was a great day. I got up really early and went for an hour long run (beginning with a head lamp in the dark - and because it was so early it was cooler and the air was cleaner). I stayed almost all day at the House of Prayer and Spice Café. At the start of the morning I was able to have some one-on-one time with Ruth, the founder of Daughters and in that time she moved my heart deeply. Ruth is truly a woman who is inspired by, led by, and filled with God's Holy Spirit. I then started working with the Site Director and Site Manager to review some policies and practices. At 10:00 I went to the House of Prayer (upstairs from the Spice Café) and participated in the worship and prayer time for Cambodia. I was deeply moved, ministered to, and inspired in this time. At the end of the day I went to the Centre for a church service. Neth (pronounced the same as "Nate") led worship and Sue, a Pastor visiting from the UK, shared the message. Even though Neth spoke mostly in Khmer God used him to minister to my heart. I would be hard pressed to think of a person I know who is more spirit-filled and joyful than Neth.

Neth